The Art of Illumination

Belles Heures of Jean de France, duc de Berry, 1405–1408/9. Herman, Paul, and Jean de Limbourg (Franco-Netherlandish, active in France by 1399–1416). French; Made in Paris. Ink, tempera, and gold leaf on vellum; 9 3/8 x 6 5/8 in. (23.8 x 16.8 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, The Cloisters Collection, 1954 (54.1.1).

The Story of Saint Jerome
The Death of Saint Jerome, Folio 189r

Jerome, in his hair shirt, lies on the ground between two groups of mourning monks as his soul is carried toward God by two angels. In the balanced composition, the dominating yet restrained earth tones are set off by the colorful wings of the angels and heavenly Father.